Japanese meaning of 大器晩成
Reading:
たいきばんせい (taiki bansei)
English Translation:
Great talents mature late
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A person of great talent often matures late in life.
大きな器量の人は成長が遅いこと。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese philosophy, used to praise late bloomers who achieve greatness.
中国の思想に由来し、晩成型の人物を褒める際に使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の人.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as implying slowness is always good.
Example
Basic Example
彼は大器晩成型で、40代で才能が花開いた。
He is a late bloomer whose talent bloomed in his forties.
Applied Example
若くして芽が出なくても、大器晩成する者は多い。
Many who don’t shine early become great later in life.